Master of Education (MEd), School Counseling
Master of Education
Mid-America Christian University’s Master of Education in School Counseling program helps you prepare to provide vital social-emotional and academic support to students, teachers, and families. The flexible program is designed for educators seeking specialized training in school counseling.
Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified to lead and evaluate a comprehensive, evidence-based school counseling program and contribute as a key member of your school’s leadership team.
Career Outcomes for the MEd in School Counseling
Our Master of Education in School Counseling program helps educators prepare for roles focused on supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development in P-12 school settings. Graduates also are qualified to pursue positions in academic advising and career counseling outside of P-12 environments, and work in social services management roles.
Here are some potential positions for Master of Education in School Counseling graduates, along with their median salaries:
| School Counselor $65,140* | College Academic Adviser $50,000** | Guidance Counselor $57,000** |
| Career Counselor $53,000** | Social Services Manager $78,240* | Mental Health Counselor $59,190* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), **Payscale (2024-2026)
School Counseling Licensure Pathway
With a Master of Education in School Counseling from MACU, graduates can pursue school counseling certification and apply it to their existing teaching certificate.
In addition to meeting the minimum educational requirement, prospective counselors seeking this credential may also need to complete a practicum or internship and pass an exam. Requirements vary by state. Please consult your state’s department of education for your full certification requirements. The Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability recognizes MACU’s education programs as approved educator preparation programs.
Master of Education in School Counseling Curriculum
The 30-credit-hour Master of Education in School Counseling program includes 27 credit hours of major core courses and a 3-credit-hour practicum capstone course that incorporates supervised clinical field experience hours.
Major Course and Practicum Requirements
The 30 credit hours of major core courses include the following:
- *COUN 5713 Human Development (3)
- COUN 6233 Ethics and Professional Studies (3)
- ED 5513 Introduction to Counseling and Guidance (3)
- COUN 5213 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
- * ED 5533 Advanced Psychology of Learning (3)
- COUN 5123 Career Counseling and Development (3)
- ED 6553 Professional Practice (3)
- ED 5523 Intervention Strategies: Academic and Learning (3)
- * COUN 5813 Tests and Measurements (3)
- ^ ED 6653 School Counseling Practicum Capstone (3)
* These courses are approved as dual credit or electives for students approved for a 4+1 Accelerated Program plan of study. Students should apply for the 4+1 Accelerated Program during their junior year of their bachelor’s degree. Prospective applicants must be in a teacher education study plan.
^ The capstone course should always be last in the program.
Details on Practicum and Supervised Hours
The school counseling practicum capstone course allows students to gain supervised clinical field experience. During the practicum, candidates apply their professional practice in standards including professional ethics, collaboration, assessment, and guidance skills in a school setting. Students will present a portfolio that exhibits how each standard was met during their curriculum. The Master of Education in School Counseling practicum requires a minimum of 150 hours of supervised experience. Explore the Degree Plan and Academic Catalog for more information about the MEd in School Counseling program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
MACU prioritizes affordability in its graduate education programs, and master’s students may qualify for financial aid.
Master of Education in School Counseling Tuition
$525 per credit hour
Learn more about costs and fees and financial aid at MACU.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the Master of Education in School Counseling include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 2.75 GPA in degree-applicable undergraduate courses or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits
- Original Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background check
Preferential consideration will be given to applicants who are certified teachers, although certification is not required for admission.
FAQs About the MEd in School Counseling
How long is the school counseling program?
Students can complete the 30-credit-hour program in two years or less. Students in a 4+1 degree program at MACU, which combines some undergraduate and graduate coursework, may finish the degree program in less time.For adult students balancing schoolwork with professional and personal responsibilities, MACU offers its flexible graduate courses in six-week formats within a 12-week term. These courses are available fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person class meetings, typically one evening per week on campus.
What are the start dates for the program?
MACU operates on an accelerated schedule for online and hybrid courses, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Visit the academic calendar for upcoming start dates.
Is the Master’s in School Counseling accredited?
Mid-America Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its education programs are also approved by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.
Does the school counseling master’s degree meet certification requirements?
The MEd in School Counseling program is designed to align with Oklahoma’s requirements for school counseling certification. Graduates may be eligible to add a school counseling certification to their teaching credential, depending on their state’s specific requirements.
Why pursue a Master of Education in School Counseling at MACU?
MACU’s education programs are known for preparing educators who make a positive impact in their schools. The school counseling program includes a practicum capstone that allows prospective school counselors to gain the experience they need to advance in their careers. Graduates of the program are ready to pursue school counseling certification and support students’ success.
Meet our School Counseling Faculty
Dr. Leon Desecottier
Co-Chair/Professor Emeritus